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Definitely Maybe Not a Detective: A Novel
In this delightfully charming rom-com mystery, a woman becomes accidentally entangled in a murder investigation (and with a handsome stranger) when her fake detective agency is enlisted to solve a real homicide.
Emersyn Gray is definitely not a detective.
Really, she’s an unemployed twenty-eight-year-old raising her beloved niece in the only place she can afford after her ex-boyfriend ran off with her life a run-down, seniors-only apartment complex that was desperate for tenants. But never fear—her wild best friend has the perfect plan to get Emersyn back on her feet and stick it to her thieving scare him into returning her money by hiring a private investigator to prove he stole it. Only, there won’t be an actual detective, just a fabricated business card from Wyatt Investigations . . . and a ridiculously hot stranger, who steps in to play the part—a stranger whose name is, coincidentally, Wyatt.
Emersyn can’t help but notice the real-life Wyatt is capital H-O-T hot, even though she’s wary of his intentions. But her ex does seem flustered, and if she can get her money back and regain control of her life, maybe it’ll finally prove to her parents that she can be a responsible caregiver to her niece.
But the day after they set their plan in motion, the superintendent of Emersyn’s apartment building winds up dead, and her neighbors turn to her fake detective agency for help after finding one of the phony business cards. With so many eyes on them—or maybe just their eyes on each other—Emersyn and Wyatt agree to take on the case. Now the question is, Can they solve the murder without getting tangled up in their own fictions—or each other?
“Fast-paced and quippy.”—Catherine Mack, USA Today bestselling author of Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies
Emersyn Gray is definitely not a detective.
Really, she’s an unemployed twenty-eight-year-old raising her beloved niece in the only place she can afford after her ex-boyfriend ran off with her life a run-down, seniors-only apartment complex that was desperate for tenants. But never fear—her wild best friend has the perfect plan to get Emersyn back on her feet and stick it to her thieving scare him into returning her money by hiring a private investigator to prove he stole it. Only, there won’t be an actual detective, just a fabricated business card from Wyatt Investigations . . . and a ridiculously hot stranger, who steps in to play the part—a stranger whose name is, coincidentally, Wyatt.
Emersyn can’t help but notice the real-life Wyatt is capital H-O-T hot, even though she’s wary of his intentions. But her ex does seem flustered, and if she can get her money back and regain control of her life, maybe it’ll finally prove to her parents that she can be a responsible caregiver to her niece.
But the day after they set their plan in motion, the superintendent of Emersyn’s apartment building winds up dead, and her neighbors turn to her fake detective agency for help after finding one of the phony business cards. With so many eyes on them—or maybe just their eyes on each other—Emersyn and Wyatt agree to take on the case. Now the question is, Can they solve the murder without getting tangled up in their own fictions—or each other?
“Fast-paced and quippy.”—Catherine Mack, USA Today bestselling author of Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2026
99 people are currently reading
10329 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Fox
18 books41 followersSarah Fox lives in Chicago. She's a teacher, doula, placenta encapsulator, and co-janitor of the Center for Visionary Disobedience.
http://www.montevidayo.com
Interviews:
http://www.coffeehousepress.org/becau...
http://www.kickingwind.com/090707.html
http://www.mnartists.org/article.do?r...
Reviews of Because Why:
http://mnartists.org/article.do?rid=1...
http://jacketmagazine.com/30/johnston...
A few of my reviews:
http://www.raintaxi.com/online/2003su...
http://www.raintaxi.com/online/2004sp...
http://bostonreview.net/BR27.6/poetmi...
http://www.montevidayo.com
Interviews:
http://www.coffeehousepress.org/becau...
http://www.kickingwind.com/090707.html
http://www.mnartists.org/article.do?r...
Reviews of Because Why:
http://mnartists.org/article.do?rid=1...
http://jacketmagazine.com/30/johnston...
A few of my reviews:
http://www.raintaxi.com/online/2003su...
http://www.raintaxi.com/online/2004sp...
http://bostonreview.net/BR27.6/poetmi...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
December 25, 2025
Fired from a job she needed to pay the bills and to take care of her little niece, Emersyn Gray doesn’t know what to do. She wouldn’t be struggling so much if her no-good ex-boyfriend hadn’t stolen her money and ridden off into the sunset without looking back. So when her friend suggests scaring him with a fake detective agency called Wyatt Investigations, Emersyn decides to give it a try. Except she wasn’t prepared for a hot guy to help her out, whose name just so happens to be Wyatt, or for someone to be murdered at the apartment building she lives in. Now, her neighbors look to her and Wyatt to find out who killed the superintendent and why before their dear friend and neighbor is put behind bars for a crime everyone except the police knows he didn’t commit.
For the most part, I had fun with this book. I enjoyed Emersyn and her friends investigating the murder while Emersyn and Wyatt tried to contain the sparks flying between them. And Livy, Emersyn’s niece? Absolutely adorable! I also liked Theo and her no-BS personality. She really made me chuckle.
What I did have a problem with was the humor in this book, or just Emersyn in general. She kind of got on my nerves, but her constant joking was completely unnecessary. Look, I love to laugh. Humor, especially sarcasm, is my love language, but there comes a point when it’s just too much. Like, it’s okay to be serious, Emersyn. You don’t need to save a moment with an innuendo or a joke that just digs you deeper into a hole you dug for yourself. And good Lord, this girl was so hyper-focused on men’s attractiveness! 😂 I get it. Wyatt’s hot. Bodie’s hot. You already said that a million times before. I don’t need to hear it again. I think it’s safe to say that you are very attracted to them. Can we just get on to the murder and solve it without you thinking dirty thoughts about men I couldn't care less about? 😅
I also felt like this book was too long. If all the drooling over hot men and unnecessary bits of humor were cut out, and it mainly focused on them actually investigating, it would be a shorter yet much more interesting story. I even got to a point where I was just skimming the last ten chapters. I just wanted to know who killed the superintendent. And guess what? I was right. Geez, it’s a good thing I speed read the last bit, or I would have cried at the fact that I wasted all that time reading about Wyatt’s hotness and Emersyn’s lack of employment when I had already solved the dang case within the first ten to fifteen chapters of the book. 😭😂
Was it the best mystery book I’ve read? No, but I still had some fun, and that’s all that matters, right? ☺🩷
Thank you to Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, blood, & death.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Idk because I skimmed the last 20% of the book (sorry 😬😅), but there are Emersyn’s spicy thoughts and kisses.
For the most part, I had fun with this book. I enjoyed Emersyn and her friends investigating the murder while Emersyn and Wyatt tried to contain the sparks flying between them. And Livy, Emersyn’s niece? Absolutely adorable! I also liked Theo and her no-BS personality. She really made me chuckle.
What I did have a problem with was the humor in this book, or just Emersyn in general. She kind of got on my nerves, but her constant joking was completely unnecessary. Look, I love to laugh. Humor, especially sarcasm, is my love language, but there comes a point when it’s just too much. Like, it’s okay to be serious, Emersyn. You don’t need to save a moment with an innuendo or a joke that just digs you deeper into a hole you dug for yourself. And good Lord, this girl was so hyper-focused on men’s attractiveness! 😂 I get it. Wyatt’s hot. Bodie’s hot. You already said that a million times before. I don’t need to hear it again. I think it’s safe to say that you are very attracted to them. Can we just get on to the murder and solve it without you thinking dirty thoughts about men I couldn't care less about? 😅
I also felt like this book was too long. If all the drooling over hot men and unnecessary bits of humor were cut out, and it mainly focused on them actually investigating, it would be a shorter yet much more interesting story. I even got to a point where I was just skimming the last ten chapters. I just wanted to know who killed the superintendent. And guess what? I was right. Geez, it’s a good thing I speed read the last bit, or I would have cried at the fact that I wasted all that time reading about Wyatt’s hotness and Emersyn’s lack of employment when I had already solved the dang case within the first ten to fifteen chapters of the book. 😭😂
Was it the best mystery book I’ve read? No, but I still had some fun, and that’s all that matters, right? ☺🩷
Thank you to Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Murder, blood, & death.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Idk because I skimmed the last 20% of the book (sorry 😬😅), but there are Emersyn’s spicy thoughts and kisses.
June 30, 2025
My detection skills are a little bit rusty. I can't predict suspects correctly! Don't get me wrong, this is amazing for the author!
There are a lot of characters, and that made me a little confused about who is who. Surprisingly, I liked the mix between the mystery and the romance! I was skeptical at first, but I enjoyed it immensely. If it weren't for the love triangle, I would have enjoyed it more; I don't like a confused FMC. Don't play with two men's emotions!
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Got invited, loved the cover and the premise, requested and got accepted all in the same day so thank you Netgalley and Ballantine for the eARC 🫶🏻🫶🏻
There are a lot of characters, and that made me a little confused about who is who. Surprisingly, I liked the mix between the mystery and the romance! I was skeptical at first, but I enjoyed it immensely. If it weren't for the love triangle, I would have enjoyed it more; I don't like a confused FMC. Don't play with two men's emotions!
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Got invited, loved the cover and the premise, requested and got accepted all in the same day so thank you Netgalley and Ballantine for the eARC 🫶🏻🫶🏻
January 15, 2026
there were maybe 15 different things going on and immediately i knew who the murderer was and lowkey didn’t care why they killed the dude ngl
Read
December 8, 2025I had to DNF this book at 25%. The writing style and humor were not for me but both of those are so subjective so this book might be for you!
In “Maybe Definitely Not A Detective,” Emersyn is unemployed, her ex recently stole money from her, and she is the guardian for her niece. In a bid to get her money back, Emersyn’s friend creates a fake private investigation company, Wyatt Investigations, to scare her ex into returning the money. And a hot stranger steps in to play the PI role and he happens to be named Wyatt. When a murder occurs in her building, her elderly neighbors hire Wyatt and Emersyn to investigate, lack of experience and credentials be damned. As they investigate, Wyatt and Emersyn start to catch feelings but will they catch the murderer?
Some of the humor made me cringe a little. For example, Emersyn’s lingerie falls onto Wyatt and when he leaves, she says, out loud to herself (and I quote), “What the blankety bleep have you done?” I winced at that but I can totally see how someone would be glad that she didn’t swear. Another example, the older ladies in the building love Wyatt. One of them says to him that he could come upstairs to her apartment for a “thorough investigation.” I can see how that could be read as a fun, zany older lady but I read it as borderline sexual harassment.
That being said, did I go to the end to see who the murderer was? OF COURSE. I am only human. I did predict the killer because I graduated summa cum laude from the School of Watching Each Episode of Criminal Minds At Least Ten Times. Self-congratulatory pat on my back.
If you read any of those lines and they make you giggle, you should check out this book.
Thank you Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: January 6, 2026
____________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: I’m swinging wildly between moods but this is giving off “Only Murders in the Building” vibes and I’m going with it.
In “Maybe Definitely Not A Detective,” Emersyn is unemployed, her ex recently stole money from her, and she is the guardian for her niece. In a bid to get her money back, Emersyn’s friend creates a fake private investigation company, Wyatt Investigations, to scare her ex into returning the money. And a hot stranger steps in to play the PI role and he happens to be named Wyatt. When a murder occurs in her building, her elderly neighbors hire Wyatt and Emersyn to investigate, lack of experience and credentials be damned. As they investigate, Wyatt and Emersyn start to catch feelings but will they catch the murderer?
Some of the humor made me cringe a little. For example, Emersyn’s lingerie falls onto Wyatt and when he leaves, she says, out loud to herself (and I quote), “What the blankety bleep have you done?” I winced at that but I can totally see how someone would be glad that she didn’t swear. Another example, the older ladies in the building love Wyatt. One of them says to him that he could come upstairs to her apartment for a “thorough investigation.” I can see how that could be read as a fun, zany older lady but I read it as borderline sexual harassment.
That being said, did I go to the end to see who the murderer was? OF COURSE. I am only human. I did predict the killer because I graduated summa cum laude from the School of Watching Each Episode of Criminal Minds At Least Ten Times. Self-congratulatory pat on my back.
If you read any of those lines and they make you giggle, you should check out this book.
Thank you Ballantine | Bantam and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: January 6, 2026
____________________________
Pre-Read Thoughts: I’m swinging wildly between moods but this is giving off “Only Murders in the Building” vibes and I’m going with it.
October 26, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
I loved this book so much and can't wait to read the next one in the series (although I really hope they get their private investigator licenses before it becomes an issue). All of the side characters were extremely well written, having such individual personalities and back stories that you could keep track of all of them easily. I really love series where there are multiple possible love interests; where you don't know immediately who the main character will end up with, or at the very least with might date someone else before ending up with the one she marries.
As for smut level, only a couple kisses in the book. There are references to sex (as in, people telling her that even though you are a guardian of a child, you still can have a sex life).
Definitely will be keeping my eye out for more books in the series and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good cozy.
I loved this book so much and can't wait to read the next one in the series (although I really hope they get their private investigator licenses before it becomes an issue). All of the side characters were extremely well written, having such individual personalities and back stories that you could keep track of all of them easily. I really love series where there are multiple possible love interests; where you don't know immediately who the main character will end up with, or at the very least with might date someone else before ending up with the one she marries.
As for smut level, only a couple kisses in the book. There are references to sex (as in, people telling her that even though you are a guardian of a child, you still can have a sex life).
Definitely will be keeping my eye out for more books in the series and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good cozy.
February 8, 2026
It feels a little silly to say this since I actively chose to pick it up, but I’m honestly surprised by how much I liked this. I sometimes struggle with stories that blend mystery/suspense with romance. They tend to feel either too cheesy or just a little too wild for me. But for some reason, this one worked. I think it’s because it fully leaned into the cozy, goofy chaos. It was just a lot of fun!
In a desperate attempt to scare her thieving ex and hopefully get her money back, Emersyn pretends to hire a private investigator. As the sole caregiver of her niece, she could really use the cash. But coincidentally, an actual stranger named Wyatt shows up ready to play the part. And then, when the sleazy superintendent of her apartment building turns up murdered, “Wyatt Investigations” suddenly becomes very real, with Emersyn reluctantly teaming up with Wyatt to solve the case!
I’d say the romance is definitely secondary to the sleuthing, but I think that worked in its favour. I liked having the focus stay on the mystery! Wyatt had such a lovable, laid-back, confident vibe. It was exactly the energy Emersyn needed in the middle of her life imploding. Their dynamic was just so fun to read, and I loved their subtle banter! The side characters were also a highlight. They all had their own quirks and hilarious contributions to the investigation!
I did predict the culprit almost immediately, but not because the mystery was poorly done. It was more because I suspected who would have the biggest emotional impact on Emersyn. But thankfully, that didn’t ruin my enjoyment at all. It was still super entertaining to see everything unfold. I’m really excited this is turning into a series because I’m definitely looking forward to whatever mayhem Emersyn and Wyatt land in next.
(heat level: kisses only)
In a desperate attempt to scare her thieving ex and hopefully get her money back, Emersyn pretends to hire a private investigator. As the sole caregiver of her niece, she could really use the cash. But coincidentally, an actual stranger named Wyatt shows up ready to play the part. And then, when the sleazy superintendent of her apartment building turns up murdered, “Wyatt Investigations” suddenly becomes very real, with Emersyn reluctantly teaming up with Wyatt to solve the case!
I’d say the romance is definitely secondary to the sleuthing, but I think that worked in its favour. I liked having the focus stay on the mystery! Wyatt had such a lovable, laid-back, confident vibe. It was exactly the energy Emersyn needed in the middle of her life imploding. Their dynamic was just so fun to read, and I loved their subtle banter! The side characters were also a highlight. They all had their own quirks and hilarious contributions to the investigation!
I did predict the culprit almost immediately, but not because the mystery was poorly done. It was more because I suspected who would have the biggest emotional impact on Emersyn. But thankfully, that didn’t ruin my enjoyment at all. It was still super entertaining to see everything unfold. I’m really excited this is turning into a series because I’m definitely looking forward to whatever mayhem Emersyn and Wyatt land in next.
(heat level: kisses only)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a fun cozy mystery that brought the mischief and romance. It was an entertaining story for me from start to finish, and I adored the audio narration so much, which was performed by Jesse Vilinsky.
Featuring found family, friendships, a fun mystery, and plenty of laughs!
*many thanks to PRH/Ballantine Books and prh audio for the gifted copy for review
Featuring found family, friendships, a fun mystery, and plenty of laughs!
*many thanks to PRH/Ballantine Books and prh audio for the gifted copy for review
August 31, 2025
This was a cozy, humorous mystery with Only Murders in the Building Vibes. I liked the unlikely group that formed the fake detective agency. It was amusing when Em was scared of a teenager scolding her. Em was such a hot mess and it was refreshing to read about a main character who did not have their life together.
The side characters were a hoot and a half. I loved the seniors in the building, Theo the teenage detective, and bestie Jemma. The romance was only a subplot but I enjoyed the scenes we got. Overall, a cozy, entertaining murder mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine for the ARC.
The side characters were a hoot and a half. I loved the seniors in the building, Theo the teenage detective, and bestie Jemma. The romance was only a subplot but I enjoyed the scenes we got. Overall, a cozy, entertaining murder mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine for the ARC.
February 1, 2026
Easy listen with a mid murder mystery story. This one had Dial A for Aunties vibes. Nothing memorable unfortunately.
January 7, 2026
Definitely Maybe Not a Detective by Sarah Fox (2026)
Wyatt Investigations Mysteries #1
10h 56m narrated by Jesse Vilinsky, 352 pages
Genre: Cozy Rom-Com > Cozy Mystery, Romance, Romantic Comedy
Featuring: Broke MC, Bronx, New York; Aunt Raising Niece, Apartment Living, Hungarians, Loss of Sibling, Sworn Off Relationships Trope, Orphan, Fraud, Con Artist Ex, Fake Agency, New Haven, Connecticut; Murder Investigation, Fake Coworkers, Triangle, Vicenarians, Multi-generational Characters, Children, Family Dynamics, Drama
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations
Songs for the soundtrack: "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift, "Burning Love" by Elvis Presley, "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen, "In The Mood" by Glenn Miller
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½👣🔍
My thoughts: ⏯️ For some reason, the title mostly, I thought this was a sequel to a Sam Tschida book. Well, at least I get to read a new-to-me author. My copy still has no cover but after looking up the cover, it would have fit right in.
I have been struggling to play this book all day. It was very good and every time I had to cut it off to deal with reality I groaned, I wasn't even able to play it in the car. So when I was finally able to spend mostly uninterrupted time with this story I was thrilled. The pacing was great but some parts were a bit too silly for my liking, Ch. 41, but since it's a cozy so I got over it quickly. I think this book would make a fantastic series. I also found it adorable when her niece called her Aunty Em. I almost added The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to the book list for that. My only real issue is the guy on the cover doesn't match the book description of the MMC. This author actually does remind me of Sam Tschida, and she has several other series that are going on my TBR.
ETA - Goodreads showed me that I actually have read this author before. I read Six Sweets Under back in 2023 before I started checking every read/DNF book on FF.We have cute kids, sassy silver ladies, hot guys, and drama. I can't wait for volume two this was so much better than that 4-star kitty in the candy store mystery I nearly forgot I read.
Recommend to others: Yes! This book is polished where a lot of other cozies typically drop the ball.
Wyatt Investigations Mysteries
1. Definitely Maybe Not a Detective (2026)
Memorable Quotes: It was happy hour, but murder was on the menu. Death by daiquiri—or more accurately by cocktail glass—was seconds away from killing my new career as a restaurant server when my shift supervisor, Claire, swooped in and liberated the glass from my hands. She set it safely on the table while giving a smile to the sleazy middle-aged man who’d just doled out his fourth inappropriate comment about my body since I’d started serving him and his buddy twenty minutes ago. I opened my mouth to give the creep a piece of my mind, but Claire was still in damage-control mode. She clamped an arm around my shoulders and steered me toward the back of the restaurant. She spoke in a low, stern voice that contrasted starkly with the smile she kept on her face. “We don’t dump drinks on our customers, Emersyn.” “Actually, I was planning to smash the glass over his head,” I said, shooting a glare over my shoulder at my intended victim. He winked at me, and my stomach churned. “We don’t do that either.” “You might want to rethink that policy,” I said, seething. Claire pushed me into the small employee break room. It was empty, the fluorescent lights buzzing and flickering overhead. Claire took me by the shoulders and turned me around so we faced each other. “I’m taking over your shift,” she informed me. I was about to protest when she cut me off. “Chad wants to see you in his office.” My stomach sank. “Again? That can’t be good.” Chad, the restaurant’s manager, wasn’t exactly an Emersyn Gray fan. I wasn’t sure why. I hadn’t mixed up all that many orders, and I’d only broken a few dishes. Okay, so maybe I knew why. I had to admit—to myself, not Chad—that I wasn’t exactly a natural at waitressing. Claire tipped her head toward the door. “Don’t keep him waiting.” I gulped a breath of air, barely getting it past the lump of apprehension in my throat, and then started down the hall toward Chad’s office.
My spirits lifted even as my heart clenched. My seven-year-old niece, Livy, let go of her babysitter’s hand and barreled toward me, her two strawberry blonde braids flying out behind her like kite tails. She launched herself at me so hard that she nearly knocked the breath out of me. I had to take a step backward to keep my balance as she wrapped her thin arms around my middle. “Hey, Livysaurus.” I kissed the top of her head. “What mischief have you been causing today?”
The money that my brother, Ethan, had saved for his and Livy’s future had been eaten up by his medical bills once he got sick with cancer and started his slow decline toward the end of his life. I thought that my niece and I would be okay financially after his death. Not well-off, by any means, but okay. Then my ex-boyfriend stole most of my savings, and my bad luck only continued from there. I lost my steady job as a copywriter thanks to financial restructuring, and now my career as a restaurant server was in the gutter too. I had rent to pay, a child to feed. I needed to get my life together, but it seemed like the harder I tried, the more it fell apart.
Wyatt Investigations. Discretion, Expertise, Results. Below those words was a phone number. “You hired a private investigator?” My gaze returned to the stacks of cards in the box. “And they gave you this many business cards?” Something wasn’t adding up. “It’s not a real agency,” Jemma said. “I made it up. Did you notice the name?” “You used my favorite hot cowboy name.” I had, on more than one occasion, described my dream man as a hot cowboy named Wyatt. I could picture him as clear as day. Dark hair, dark eyes, broad shoulders, washboard abs, a killer smile, and calloused hands that— “Do I need to douse you with ice water?” Jemma interrupted my daydream.
Getting my money back from Hoffman wouldn’t solve all my problems, but it would buy me time. Time to find a decent job so I wouldn’t have to scrimp and save and take advantage of my neighbors’ generosity. That’s why I accepted the burner phone and box of business cards against my better judgment. How much stock could I put in my judgment, anyway? Jemma dropped me off in front of the Mirage before speeding away in her red Camaro. I might have had a hint of car envy since I couldn’t even afford an old clunker. Not that I needed a car in the city or wanted to deal with the constant street sweeping. I certainly couldn’t afford to pay for a parking space, but I imagined that owning a vehicle came with a sense of freedom.
If I wasn’t going to change clothes out in the open, I really had only one option. I hurried around the side of the ostentatious two-story clubhouse, where bushes and rhododendrons lined the stone wall that blocked most of the property from public view. I glanced about to make sure no one was watching and then ducked in among the foliage. Branches snagged at my hair, and I nearly screamed when I came face-to-legs with a spider dangling from a silken thread. I dodged the spider and worked my way deeper into the bushes.
The man peering at me through parted branches could have stepped right out of one of my favorite romance novels. With his faded jeans and white button-down shirt, he managed to look both casual and chic. He had tousled dark hair, eyes that were nearly black, and light brown skin with a hint of a bronze undertone. From the way he was stooped down to peer at me, I knew he had to be over six feet tall. He had the top button of his shirt undone, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showing off his muscular forearms. I didn’t fail to notice his broad shoulders either.
Wyatt Investigations Mysteries #1
10h 56m narrated by Jesse Vilinsky, 352 pages
Genre: Cozy Rom-Com > Cozy Mystery, Romance, Romantic Comedy
Featuring: Broke MC, Bronx, New York; Aunt Raising Niece, Apartment Living, Hungarians, Loss of Sibling, Sworn Off Relationships Trope, Orphan, Fraud, Con Artist Ex, Fake Agency, New Haven, Connecticut; Murder Investigation, Fake Coworkers, Triangle, Vicenarians, Multi-generational Characters, Children, Family Dynamics, Drama
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations
Songs for the soundtrack: "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift, "Burning Love" by Elvis Presley, "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen, "In The Mood" by Glenn Miller
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½👣🔍
My thoughts: ⏯️ For some reason, the title mostly, I thought this was a sequel to a Sam Tschida book. Well, at least I get to read a new-to-me author. My copy still has no cover but after looking up the cover, it would have fit right in.
I have been struggling to play this book all day. It was very good and every time I had to cut it off to deal with reality I groaned, I wasn't even able to play it in the car. So when I was finally able to spend mostly uninterrupted time with this story I was thrilled. The pacing was great but some parts were a bit too silly for my liking, Ch. 41, but since it's a cozy so I got over it quickly. I think this book would make a fantastic series. I also found it adorable when her niece called her Aunty Em. I almost added The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to the book list for that. My only real issue is the guy on the cover doesn't match the book description of the MMC. This author actually does remind me of Sam Tschida, and she has several other series that are going on my TBR.
ETA - Goodreads showed me that I actually have read this author before. I read Six Sweets Under back in 2023 before I started checking every read/DNF book on FF.We have cute kids, sassy silver ladies, hot guys, and drama. I can't wait for volume two this was so much better than that 4-star kitty in the candy store mystery I nearly forgot I read.
Recommend to others: Yes! This book is polished where a lot of other cozies typically drop the ball.
Wyatt Investigations Mysteries
1. Definitely Maybe Not a Detective (2026)
Memorable Quotes: It was happy hour, but murder was on the menu. Death by daiquiri—or more accurately by cocktail glass—was seconds away from killing my new career as a restaurant server when my shift supervisor, Claire, swooped in and liberated the glass from my hands. She set it safely on the table while giving a smile to the sleazy middle-aged man who’d just doled out his fourth inappropriate comment about my body since I’d started serving him and his buddy twenty minutes ago. I opened my mouth to give the creep a piece of my mind, but Claire was still in damage-control mode. She clamped an arm around my shoulders and steered me toward the back of the restaurant. She spoke in a low, stern voice that contrasted starkly with the smile she kept on her face. “We don’t dump drinks on our customers, Emersyn.” “Actually, I was planning to smash the glass over his head,” I said, shooting a glare over my shoulder at my intended victim. He winked at me, and my stomach churned. “We don’t do that either.” “You might want to rethink that policy,” I said, seething. Claire pushed me into the small employee break room. It was empty, the fluorescent lights buzzing and flickering overhead. Claire took me by the shoulders and turned me around so we faced each other. “I’m taking over your shift,” she informed me. I was about to protest when she cut me off. “Chad wants to see you in his office.” My stomach sank. “Again? That can’t be good.” Chad, the restaurant’s manager, wasn’t exactly an Emersyn Gray fan. I wasn’t sure why. I hadn’t mixed up all that many orders, and I’d only broken a few dishes. Okay, so maybe I knew why. I had to admit—to myself, not Chad—that I wasn’t exactly a natural at waitressing. Claire tipped her head toward the door. “Don’t keep him waiting.” I gulped a breath of air, barely getting it past the lump of apprehension in my throat, and then started down the hall toward Chad’s office.
My spirits lifted even as my heart clenched. My seven-year-old niece, Livy, let go of her babysitter’s hand and barreled toward me, her two strawberry blonde braids flying out behind her like kite tails. She launched herself at me so hard that she nearly knocked the breath out of me. I had to take a step backward to keep my balance as she wrapped her thin arms around my middle. “Hey, Livysaurus.” I kissed the top of her head. “What mischief have you been causing today?”
The money that my brother, Ethan, had saved for his and Livy’s future had been eaten up by his medical bills once he got sick with cancer and started his slow decline toward the end of his life. I thought that my niece and I would be okay financially after his death. Not well-off, by any means, but okay. Then my ex-boyfriend stole most of my savings, and my bad luck only continued from there. I lost my steady job as a copywriter thanks to financial restructuring, and now my career as a restaurant server was in the gutter too. I had rent to pay, a child to feed. I needed to get my life together, but it seemed like the harder I tried, the more it fell apart.
Wyatt Investigations. Discretion, Expertise, Results. Below those words was a phone number. “You hired a private investigator?” My gaze returned to the stacks of cards in the box. “And they gave you this many business cards?” Something wasn’t adding up. “It’s not a real agency,” Jemma said. “I made it up. Did you notice the name?” “You used my favorite hot cowboy name.” I had, on more than one occasion, described my dream man as a hot cowboy named Wyatt. I could picture him as clear as day. Dark hair, dark eyes, broad shoulders, washboard abs, a killer smile, and calloused hands that— “Do I need to douse you with ice water?” Jemma interrupted my daydream.
Getting my money back from Hoffman wouldn’t solve all my problems, but it would buy me time. Time to find a decent job so I wouldn’t have to scrimp and save and take advantage of my neighbors’ generosity. That’s why I accepted the burner phone and box of business cards against my better judgment. How much stock could I put in my judgment, anyway? Jemma dropped me off in front of the Mirage before speeding away in her red Camaro. I might have had a hint of car envy since I couldn’t even afford an old clunker. Not that I needed a car in the city or wanted to deal with the constant street sweeping. I certainly couldn’t afford to pay for a parking space, but I imagined that owning a vehicle came with a sense of freedom.
If I wasn’t going to change clothes out in the open, I really had only one option. I hurried around the side of the ostentatious two-story clubhouse, where bushes and rhododendrons lined the stone wall that blocked most of the property from public view. I glanced about to make sure no one was watching and then ducked in among the foliage. Branches snagged at my hair, and I nearly screamed when I came face-to-legs with a spider dangling from a silken thread. I dodged the spider and worked my way deeper into the bushes.
The man peering at me through parted branches could have stepped right out of one of my favorite romance novels. With his faded jeans and white button-down shirt, he managed to look both casual and chic. He had tousled dark hair, eyes that were nearly black, and light brown skin with a hint of a bronze undertone. From the way he was stooped down to peer at me, I knew he had to be over six feet tall. He had the top button of his shirt undone, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, showing off his muscular forearms. I didn’t fail to notice his broad shoulders either.
January 28, 2026
Cute rom-com mystery but I am tired of the young twenty-something with a messy life who is consistently clumsy and getting herself into silly predicaments; how are people supposed to take them seriously and think they can solve a crime if they can’t even figure out who to perform basic functions? The mystery was interesting but predictable. I loved the interactions with the niece but even the struggle with the family has been done before. Then the constant transition to an adolescent when the crushes are around was a little difficult to stomach. This was entertaining but I prefer more grownup characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the review copy.
January 6, 2026
This was a fun rom-com! It was a good murder mystery that kept me guessing. I liked all the side characters who helped Emersyn to get the bottom of the mystery.
September 30, 2025
Definitely Maybe Not a Detective has a cute and unique premise and a quirky cast of characters.
I liked Emersyn as a character and being in her head was quite humorous at times. Wyatt the love interest was a bit bland for me but I did like finding more about him as the story progressed. The romance was a little under developed, but it sounds like this will be the start of a new series so maybe future installments will develop it further.
This was a very quick read that I breezed through in just a couple of sittings. I thought the writing was engaging and solid. The premise of the book actually reminded me of Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door (which I actually hated) but this book was executed a lot better and was a lot better written.
I did find the story a bit predictable (I figured out who the killer was very early on) but this was still a cute cozy mystery.
I liked Emersyn as a character and being in her head was quite humorous at times. Wyatt the love interest was a bit bland for me but I did like finding more about him as the story progressed. The romance was a little under developed, but it sounds like this will be the start of a new series so maybe future installments will develop it further.
This was a very quick read that I breezed through in just a couple of sittings. I thought the writing was engaging and solid. The premise of the book actually reminded me of Riley Thorn and the Dead Guy Next Door (which I actually hated) but this book was executed a lot better and was a lot better written.
I did find the story a bit predictable (I figured out who the killer was very early on) but this was still a cute cozy mystery.
January 18, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Emersyn Gray is twenty-eight years old and the guardian for her seven-year-old niece, Livy. She is unemployed, and her ex-boyfriend, Hoffman Fisher, was a real jerk and stole her savings. She and Livy are living in a dilapidated seniors-only apartment building, the Deco Mirage, that was taking any tenants they could get. She was getting stressed out, unable to find a job, when her best friend thinks she has a brilliant idea. They are going to pressure her ex to return her money by informing him that she has retained a private investigator to prove he stole her money. Truthfully, there is no detective, just a fake business card she had created for the fake Wyatt Investigations. When Emersyn goes to deliver the card and news to her ex, the plan takes an epic twist. A handsome hunk of a man named Wyatt walks right up to Hoffman and introduces himself as Wyatt from Wyatt Investigations.
What game is this incredibly hot hunk playing? An incredibly hot hunk, she is totally attracted to. Back to business, she needs to get the money back, and if she has to work with this incredibly hot hunk, she will. She needs to show her parents she can provide for her niece and that she has her life under control. Did I mention he’s incredibly hot?
The next day, an enormous wrench was thrown into their plan. Someone murdered the building super, and one of her favorite people in the building is accused of the crime. The neighbors had found one of the fake private investigation agency’s business cards, and Wyatt and Emersyn couldn’t say no when they asked for help. Can fake detectives solve a real murder? Can they put their steamy romantic electricity on hold while they find out? Or will the passion overtake them?
What a terrific start for this new series!
I love the diversity of the characters Ms. Fox has created for this series.
Emersyn Gray’s life is totally in transition. She lost her steady job as a copywriter due to restructuring, and her career as a restaurant server just crashed and burned. Her ex cleaned out her savings. Her mother is questioning whether she is the right person raise her brother’s daughter. He passed away after battling cancer. She has applied for a variety of jobs, and has received no job offers.
Wyatt, no last name, is a mystery man. Clearly quite wealthy and smokin’ HOT! You can cut the romantic tension with a knife. There is plenty of sizzle there, but after her thieving ex, she has no need for a man in her life. Then there is Bodie Chase, a bartender, also easy on the eyes, and interested in Emersyn. She thinks he is pretty hot, too. Emersyn’s best friend, Jemma Ghosh, is always there for her unless something important pulls her away; then she needs details of everything she missed. Livy just stole my heart. A smart 7-year-old who is an absolute delight. Their neighbor, Mrs. Nagy, has become like an honorary grandmother, watching Livy when Emersyn has to work. Then there is Theo. A handicapped high schooler who doesn’t let her disabilities hold her back, she is a whiz on the computer and a true force when it comes to the fake Wyatt Investigations. Rounding out the cast are the many residents of the Mirage.
Ms. Fox’s unique writing style was so entertaining. Emersyn’s reactions to Wyatt and Bodie gave me true rom-com feels. Some of the senior ladies were particularly drawn to the young men, too, and both took the fawning with a great sense of humor. While there are many characters, she makes each distinct and easy to remember. Some of them are real hoots!
With Only Murders in the Building vibes, anyone in the building could have killed the super, or someone could have easily come into the building. So, there was a long list of suspects for Wyatt Investigations to work through. The evidence pointed directly at one person, so the police thought they had their man. No one believed that person was a murderer. I enjoyed the comedy of Emersyn trying to question the people in the building and how Theo was ready to do anything to get to the truth. Emersyn tried to avoid Wyatt, but the man always turned up wherever she was. It was fun to follow along as they chased down the clues. I appreciated the unique room they found in the Mirage. It gave the story a major twist. The author plotted out this mystery so well. I was surprised when the killer was revealed. I love it when that happens. It means I escaped fully into the story.
Definitely Maybe Not a Detective kept me totally entertained with a diverse cast of characters, a stirring mystery, an interesting setting, tons of humor, and romantic tension. Lighthearted, mysterious, and fun. This book was a Perfect Escape! I can’t wait for book two!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bantam and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Emersyn Gray is twenty-eight years old and the guardian for her seven-year-old niece, Livy. She is unemployed, and her ex-boyfriend, Hoffman Fisher, was a real jerk and stole her savings. She and Livy are living in a dilapidated seniors-only apartment building, the Deco Mirage, that was taking any tenants they could get. She was getting stressed out, unable to find a job, when her best friend thinks she has a brilliant idea. They are going to pressure her ex to return her money by informing him that she has retained a private investigator to prove he stole her money. Truthfully, there is no detective, just a fake business card she had created for the fake Wyatt Investigations. When Emersyn goes to deliver the card and news to her ex, the plan takes an epic twist. A handsome hunk of a man named Wyatt walks right up to Hoffman and introduces himself as Wyatt from Wyatt Investigations.
What game is this incredibly hot hunk playing? An incredibly hot hunk, she is totally attracted to. Back to business, she needs to get the money back, and if she has to work with this incredibly hot hunk, she will. She needs to show her parents she can provide for her niece and that she has her life under control. Did I mention he’s incredibly hot?
The next day, an enormous wrench was thrown into their plan. Someone murdered the building super, and one of her favorite people in the building is accused of the crime. The neighbors had found one of the fake private investigation agency’s business cards, and Wyatt and Emersyn couldn’t say no when they asked for help. Can fake detectives solve a real murder? Can they put their steamy romantic electricity on hold while they find out? Or will the passion overtake them?
What a terrific start for this new series!
I love the diversity of the characters Ms. Fox has created for this series.
Emersyn Gray’s life is totally in transition. She lost her steady job as a copywriter due to restructuring, and her career as a restaurant server just crashed and burned. Her ex cleaned out her savings. Her mother is questioning whether she is the right person raise her brother’s daughter. He passed away after battling cancer. She has applied for a variety of jobs, and has received no job offers.
Wyatt, no last name, is a mystery man. Clearly quite wealthy and smokin’ HOT! You can cut the romantic tension with a knife. There is plenty of sizzle there, but after her thieving ex, she has no need for a man in her life. Then there is Bodie Chase, a bartender, also easy on the eyes, and interested in Emersyn. She thinks he is pretty hot, too. Emersyn’s best friend, Jemma Ghosh, is always there for her unless something important pulls her away; then she needs details of everything she missed. Livy just stole my heart. A smart 7-year-old who is an absolute delight. Their neighbor, Mrs. Nagy, has become like an honorary grandmother, watching Livy when Emersyn has to work. Then there is Theo. A handicapped high schooler who doesn’t let her disabilities hold her back, she is a whiz on the computer and a true force when it comes to the fake Wyatt Investigations. Rounding out the cast are the many residents of the Mirage.
Ms. Fox’s unique writing style was so entertaining. Emersyn’s reactions to Wyatt and Bodie gave me true rom-com feels. Some of the senior ladies were particularly drawn to the young men, too, and both took the fawning with a great sense of humor. While there are many characters, she makes each distinct and easy to remember. Some of them are real hoots!
With Only Murders in the Building vibes, anyone in the building could have killed the super, or someone could have easily come into the building. So, there was a long list of suspects for Wyatt Investigations to work through. The evidence pointed directly at one person, so the police thought they had their man. No one believed that person was a murderer. I enjoyed the comedy of Emersyn trying to question the people in the building and how Theo was ready to do anything to get to the truth. Emersyn tried to avoid Wyatt, but the man always turned up wherever she was. It was fun to follow along as they chased down the clues. I appreciated the unique room they found in the Mirage. It gave the story a major twist. The author plotted out this mystery so well. I was surprised when the killer was revealed. I love it when that happens. It means I escaped fully into the story.
Definitely Maybe Not a Detective kept me totally entertained with a diverse cast of characters, a stirring mystery, an interesting setting, tons of humor, and romantic tension. Lighthearted, mysterious, and fun. This book was a Perfect Escape! I can’t wait for book two!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bantam and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
January 23, 2026
Cozy meets romance? Yes, please!
In this fun mystery, Emersyn has a problem. She lost most of her money to her thieving ex-boyfriend, she's unemployed, and she wants to keep custody of her 7-year-old niece. Her best friend devises a plan to get her money back. After a confrontation and meeting a handsome man and a make-believe detective agency that shares a name with the attractive man, Emersyn's building superintendent is found murdered.
This book has all the elements of an interesting cozy mystery. The characters added to the story and popped on the page, although I do wonder why Jemma is Emersyn's best friend. Each character added a fun element. There were plenty of red herrings. I did peg the killer midway, but ruled it out at one point toward the end, only to find out I was right.
Then there was the romance aspect. Emersyn is drawn to Wyatt, but he's also a mystery as she only knows his first name. After her ex stole her money, she's not quick to trust this hot man helping her investigate a murder. Slowly, she learns how to trust her instincts again.
I suspect this will be a series, and I hope I'm right! I'll be sure to read the next book.
Thank you to Sarah Fox, Ballantine, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.
In this fun mystery, Emersyn has a problem. She lost most of her money to her thieving ex-boyfriend, she's unemployed, and she wants to keep custody of her 7-year-old niece. Her best friend devises a plan to get her money back. After a confrontation and meeting a handsome man and a make-believe detective agency that shares a name with the attractive man, Emersyn's building superintendent is found murdered.
This book has all the elements of an interesting cozy mystery. The characters added to the story and popped on the page, although I do wonder why Jemma is Emersyn's best friend. Each character added a fun element. There were plenty of red herrings. I did peg the killer midway, but ruled it out at one point toward the end, only to find out I was right.
Then there was the romance aspect. Emersyn is drawn to Wyatt, but he's also a mystery as she only knows his first name. After her ex stole her money, she's not quick to trust this hot man helping her investigate a murder. Slowly, she learns how to trust her instincts again.
I suspect this will be a series, and I hope I'm right! I'll be sure to read the next book.
Thank you to Sarah Fox, Ballantine, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.
January 22, 2026
3.5
There are a lot of different things happening in this book but the story is still cute. Kind of a rom com Only Murders In The Building
There are a lot of different things happening in this book but the story is still cute. Kind of a rom com Only Murders In The Building
January 9, 2026
Definitely skip this one.
Childish. Implausible. Side characters are absolute cartoons.
28yr old FMC describes the kiss between her love interest like a 12 yr old who is touching someone of the opposite sex for the first time. She also goes Gaga in the presence of good looking male characters and describes their looks and muscles and lips every time they come on the scene ad nauseum .
The premise of the book where it concerns detectives completely doesn’t work.
It was long and boring and just silly.
If you are looking for a book with no sex and profanity this might fit your bill.
Cover art was cool.
Childish. Implausible. Side characters are absolute cartoons.
28yr old FMC describes the kiss between her love interest like a 12 yr old who is touching someone of the opposite sex for the first time. She also goes Gaga in the presence of good looking male characters and describes their looks and muscles and lips every time they come on the scene ad nauseum .
The premise of the book where it concerns detectives completely doesn’t work.
It was long and boring and just silly.
If you are looking for a book with no sex and profanity this might fit your bill.
Cover art was cool.
Read
December 7, 2025A cozy mystery + comic romance that is perfect for fans of Finlay Donovan and Only Murders in the Building. Emersyn (yes she does have terrible parents) is a late twenty-something raising the daughter of her late brother while trying to hold down a job. When the super of her Bronx apartment building ends up dead, she ends up investigating with the help of a mysterious stranger and a teenage neighbor.
I felt the NYC vibes in this were not quite authentic enough for this New Yorker, though the apartment building was pretty on point.
I am not really a person who loves romance (especially a love triangle) in my cozy mysteries, but if you do, then this is the perfect book for you!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Subscribe to my amazing newsletter HERE at JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
I felt the NYC vibes in this were not quite authentic enough for this New Yorker, though the apartment building was pretty on point.
I am not really a person who loves romance (especially a love triangle) in my cozy mysteries, but if you do, then this is the perfect book for you!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Subscribe to my amazing newsletter HERE at JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The nitty-gritty: Mystery, romance and quirky characters make this a must read for readers who love their stories chock full of humor and hijinks.
Once in a while I step outside my usual genres and try something different, and the end of the year/holiday season seemed like the perfect time for that. Definitely Maybe Not a Detective was a fun, twisty mystery with a bunch of heart and just a touch of romance. And it was very funny! It turned out to be the perfect end-of-the-year antidote to all the stress and pressures of December. Now, I’m not anxious to jump into another contemporary romance/mystery right away, but I’m glad I took a break from my heavier, darker reads.
Emersyn is a down-on-her-luck woman who is trying to keep her head above water. She and her niece Livy—she got custody of Livy when her brother Ethan died—live in a rundown apartment building called the Mirage, surrounded by an odd assortment of quirky residents. She’s also having trouble with her ex boyfriend Hoffman, who managed to steal her life savings without getting caught. When she’s fired from yet another low paying job, her bestie Jemma comes up with a crazy plan: create a fake detective agency (“Wyatt Investigations”), complete with official looking business cards, and scare Hoffman into giving back the money.
Emersyn agrees to try it, and business cards in hand, she goes to Hoffman’s private club to confront him. But an unfortunate encounter with an attractive stranger in the bushes outside the club (don’t ask!) sets off a crazy chain of events, and soon Emersyn is caught up in a real life murder in her building. The stranger, coincidentally named Wyatt, is determined to act as the Wyatt in the fake agency’s name and help solve the murder, but Emersyn isn’t interested. At first. Wyatt seems to be the perfect guy, but Emersyn doesn’t want a guy in her life right now, does she? And when her kind old neighbor Mr. Nagy is taken into custody as a suspect, she knows she’ll do anything to help him. Even if it means pretending to be a detective.
Sarah Fox is a seasoned writer who knows what she’s doing. I absolutely loved the characters and their relationships with each other. There’s Brodie, the hot body builder who has his eye on Emersyn; Agnes Gao who owns a bakery called Tasty Buns (!); Leona, an ex actress who inserts details about her acting days into every conversation; the Nagys, who help Emersyn with babysitting duties; and one of my favorite characters, a teenager named Theo who reminded me a lot of Erica from Stranger Things (IYKYK). Theo is way too interested in setting up Emersyn with a boyfriend, preferably Brodie or Wyatt, and her pushy yet hysterically funny dialog was the perfect foil for Emersyn’s more practical personality.
And of course, we have Wyatt, who is clearly interested in Emersyn as well and inserts himself into her “detective agency” in order to get to know her better. The romance is very slow build, and there are only a couple of very tame kissing scenes, so readers who prefer cleaner romance will love this. What I loved most about the romance elements is that Emersyn is doing a lot of soul searching in this story and doesn’t feel the need to jump into a new relationship right away. She’s focusing on getting her life back on track, and I so appreciated that.
The murder mystery was a lot of fun, with plenty of twists and red herrings to muddy the waters. Most of the action takes place inside the Mirage, giving the story a strong Only Murders in the Building vibe. There are a few silly scenes—like when Emersyn decides to change her clothes behind a bush in front of a building—but somehow those scenes made sense with everything else in the story. The banter was fantastic, especially between Emersyn and Wyatt, and I lost count of the times I laughed out loud, it was so funny.
Fox even adds some emotional moments, especially between Emersyn and Livy, who are still mourning the loss of Ethan. Emersyn desperately wants to honor her brother’s wishes and raise Livy, but Ethan’s parents are just as desperate to take custody away from her, since Livy is the last reminder they have of their son. It was all handled very well, with just enough friction to make the reader worried, but I did love the way the author resolved it in the end.
With all the hijinks and the silliness of Emersyn trying to be a detective, Definitely Maybe Not a Detective would make a fantastic movie! I also loved the ending, which leads me to believe this book will eventually turn into a series. Will Emersyn wind up with Wyatt, Brodie or neither? You’ll have to read to find out!
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
Once in a while I step outside my usual genres and try something different, and the end of the year/holiday season seemed like the perfect time for that. Definitely Maybe Not a Detective was a fun, twisty mystery with a bunch of heart and just a touch of romance. And it was very funny! It turned out to be the perfect end-of-the-year antidote to all the stress and pressures of December. Now, I’m not anxious to jump into another contemporary romance/mystery right away, but I’m glad I took a break from my heavier, darker reads.
Emersyn is a down-on-her-luck woman who is trying to keep her head above water. She and her niece Livy—she got custody of Livy when her brother Ethan died—live in a rundown apartment building called the Mirage, surrounded by an odd assortment of quirky residents. She’s also having trouble with her ex boyfriend Hoffman, who managed to steal her life savings without getting caught. When she’s fired from yet another low paying job, her bestie Jemma comes up with a crazy plan: create a fake detective agency (“Wyatt Investigations”), complete with official looking business cards, and scare Hoffman into giving back the money.
Emersyn agrees to try it, and business cards in hand, she goes to Hoffman’s private club to confront him. But an unfortunate encounter with an attractive stranger in the bushes outside the club (don’t ask!) sets off a crazy chain of events, and soon Emersyn is caught up in a real life murder in her building. The stranger, coincidentally named Wyatt, is determined to act as the Wyatt in the fake agency’s name and help solve the murder, but Emersyn isn’t interested. At first. Wyatt seems to be the perfect guy, but Emersyn doesn’t want a guy in her life right now, does she? And when her kind old neighbor Mr. Nagy is taken into custody as a suspect, she knows she’ll do anything to help him. Even if it means pretending to be a detective.
Sarah Fox is a seasoned writer who knows what she’s doing. I absolutely loved the characters and their relationships with each other. There’s Brodie, the hot body builder who has his eye on Emersyn; Agnes Gao who owns a bakery called Tasty Buns (!); Leona, an ex actress who inserts details about her acting days into every conversation; the Nagys, who help Emersyn with babysitting duties; and one of my favorite characters, a teenager named Theo who reminded me a lot of Erica from Stranger Things (IYKYK). Theo is way too interested in setting up Emersyn with a boyfriend, preferably Brodie or Wyatt, and her pushy yet hysterically funny dialog was the perfect foil for Emersyn’s more practical personality.
And of course, we have Wyatt, who is clearly interested in Emersyn as well and inserts himself into her “detective agency” in order to get to know her better. The romance is very slow build, and there are only a couple of very tame kissing scenes, so readers who prefer cleaner romance will love this. What I loved most about the romance elements is that Emersyn is doing a lot of soul searching in this story and doesn’t feel the need to jump into a new relationship right away. She’s focusing on getting her life back on track, and I so appreciated that.
The murder mystery was a lot of fun, with plenty of twists and red herrings to muddy the waters. Most of the action takes place inside the Mirage, giving the story a strong Only Murders in the Building vibe. There are a few silly scenes—like when Emersyn decides to change her clothes behind a bush in front of a building—but somehow those scenes made sense with everything else in the story. The banter was fantastic, especially between Emersyn and Wyatt, and I lost count of the times I laughed out loud, it was so funny.
Fox even adds some emotional moments, especially between Emersyn and Livy, who are still mourning the loss of Ethan. Emersyn desperately wants to honor her brother’s wishes and raise Livy, but Ethan’s parents are just as desperate to take custody away from her, since Livy is the last reminder they have of their son. It was all handled very well, with just enough friction to make the reader worried, but I did love the way the author resolved it in the end.
With all the hijinks and the silliness of Emersyn trying to be a detective, Definitely Maybe Not a Detective would make a fantastic movie! I also loved the ending, which leads me to believe this book will eventually turn into a series. Will Emersyn wind up with Wyatt, Brodie or neither? You’ll have to read to find out!
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was very excited to see this new series being offered by Sarah Fox as I am a big fan of several of her cozy mystery series! This book is different as it is sort of a combination romance/mystery with a bit of women's fiction thrown in. I will be very honest at the beginning of this book, and with my introduction to the MC, Emersyn, this was almost a DNF for me. I found the beginning very jumbled and the MC very silly and immature. Her reaction and interactions with men early on are just so over the top as to be unbelievable. Fortunately, we get to see her with her adorable niece Livy, who she is raising after the tragic death of her brother, and her interactions with her elderly neighbors in their unique apartment situation and this saves the character and helps us see more attractive attributes of this character. At the beginning of the story, Emersyn walks out of her job over an harassment situation and finds herself broke as her ex had accessed her bank account and helped himself to her nest egg. With the help of her best friend Jemma and a very precocious but talented teenager in a wheelchair the ladies come up with an interesting way to recover those funds. When their crazy idea is further complicated by a very hot mystery man, the death of the building super and the uncovering of a hidden speakeasy, you know you are in for an interesting and unique tale! This book has a lot to offer but needs to walk a finer line with some of the over the top silliness. I will definitely give book two a read! Thanks to #Netgally, #Bantam, and the author for an opportunity to read. #DefinitelyMaybeNotaDetective #TheWyattInvestigationMysteties #SarahFox #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
January 7, 2026
What a perfect book to kick on 2026 reading! This one has all the charm of the Finlay Donovan series with the quirky detective vibes of Only Murders in the Building. I ate this one up!
Our main character, Emersyn, is so easy to love. She’s living on her own, trying to take care of her niece, furious at her ex-boyfriend for stealing her money, and surrounded by a building full of nosy, but well-meaning senior citizens. With the help of her best friend, they’ve hatched a genius plan to get back at her ex, by utilizing a fake private detective agency. Unfortunately, when her landlord is mysteriously killed the agency is discovered and now Emersyn must solve the case.
Did I mention she must also do it with romance-book-cover-worthy Wyatt by her side?
What could go wrong?
There are so many heartfelt moments and hijinks throughout this book that I was impressed by how Fox still made the mystery stand out. It never gets lost in all the other elements of the plot and becomes quite twisty once the accusations start flowing.
This is an excellent rom-com mystery that will keep you glued to the pages!
Our main character, Emersyn, is so easy to love. She’s living on her own, trying to take care of her niece, furious at her ex-boyfriend for stealing her money, and surrounded by a building full of nosy, but well-meaning senior citizens. With the help of her best friend, they’ve hatched a genius plan to get back at her ex, by utilizing a fake private detective agency. Unfortunately, when her landlord is mysteriously killed the agency is discovered and now Emersyn must solve the case.
Did I mention she must also do it with romance-book-cover-worthy Wyatt by her side?
What could go wrong?
There are so many heartfelt moments and hijinks throughout this book that I was impressed by how Fox still made the mystery stand out. It never gets lost in all the other elements of the plot and becomes quite twisty once the accusations start flowing.
This is an excellent rom-com mystery that will keep you glued to the pages!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is so cut I want a sequel. It has some sad and some annoying aspects, but characters are terrific and the mystery and romance are interesting. Emersyn is raising her niece against her parents wishes, but her brother named her guardian and she takes it seriously. Unfortunately her ex boyfriend has stolen her savings and she keeps losing jobs. When her landlord is killed she promises her neighbors she will solve the case. She lives in an apartment building that was originally for seniors, so you can imagine her neighbors.
She and her best friend Jemma print up cards for the Wyatt Detective agency because she once had a crush on a man named Wyatt. In one of the funniest scenes in the book she actually meets a Wyatt, who claims he is in the security business and decides to help her. Sparks fly, but since she was just burned by her ex, she keeps avoiding him. That is the annoying part. The book is fun, sometimes laugh out loud funny.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest opinion, and as I stated,I want a sequel.
She and her best friend Jemma print up cards for the Wyatt Detective agency because she once had a crush on a man named Wyatt. In one of the funniest scenes in the book she actually meets a Wyatt, who claims he is in the security business and decides to help her. Sparks fly, but since she was just burned by her ex, she keeps avoiding him. That is the annoying part. The book is fun, sometimes laugh out loud funny.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest opinion, and as I stated,I want a sequel.
December 8, 2025
I received an advance copy via NetGalley.
Emersyn is a young woman raising her sweet young niece alone since her brother's death. She also can't keep a job. And her ex-boyfriend absconded with her savings. When her best friend contrives a fake detective agency to scare the ex into returning the money, the ploy goes sideways when a really cute guy steps in to help out. Things get more twisted when the sleazy super of Emersyn's building turns up dead and she sets out to help her accused neighbor clear his name. She and cute guy team up. Shenanigans ensure.
This new cozy is on the extreme side of cozy, leaning into rom-com territory. So, a bit on the ludicrous side in a fun way. Emersyn is a great character to root for. Her scenes with her niece are so sweet. I actually guessed the murderer very early on, because the characters reminded me of another cozy I recently read. I'm not sure it if would be clear to anyone else who didn't have that parallel, though. In any case, it's a fun read and a good distraction from grim reality.
Emersyn is a young woman raising her sweet young niece alone since her brother's death. She also can't keep a job. And her ex-boyfriend absconded with her savings. When her best friend contrives a fake detective agency to scare the ex into returning the money, the ploy goes sideways when a really cute guy steps in to help out. Things get more twisted when the sleazy super of Emersyn's building turns up dead and she sets out to help her accused neighbor clear his name. She and cute guy team up. Shenanigans ensure.
This new cozy is on the extreme side of cozy, leaning into rom-com territory. So, a bit on the ludicrous side in a fun way. Emersyn is a great character to root for. Her scenes with her niece are so sweet. I actually guessed the murderer very early on, because the characters reminded me of another cozy I recently read. I'm not sure it if would be clear to anyone else who didn't have that parallel, though. In any case, it's a fun read and a good distraction from grim reality.
February 12, 2026
this was such a cute fun easy read. it def gave me “only murderers in the building” vibes. The suspect was easy to guess. they were almost too unassuming that it was easy to assume.
January 28, 2026
Cute, cozy, and somewhat funny, but nothing like I'd been hoping for.
January 11, 2026
This was a quick read with a fun premise and a nice amount of humor. I loved the Remington Steele vibes, it turned into a bit of a caper with some slapstick physical humor I wasn't expecting. It's a 50/50 mix of romance and a whodunnit. Sometimes it was hard to know which of those the book wanted to be, and as a result the overall plot felt a little disjointed. There was an abundance of characters to keep track of, and aside from Emersyn (and Theo) most of them felt a bit shallowly developed. There was a nice amount of warmth between Emersyn and Wyatt, even though she kept him at arm's length most of the time (and the back-and-forth while she fought her attraction got to be a little repetitive). The killer wasn't immediately clear to me, which definitely kept me reading to the satisfying conclusion. This feels like the start of a series, and this first book was engaging enough that I'd definitely read the next in the series. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. This review was based on a complimentary DRC of the book, all opinions are my own.
August 26, 2025
3.25 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Fox, and Ballantine for the ARC of this novel!
I’ve been on the hunt for books that give me the same cozy-yet-chaotic vibes as the Riley Thorn and Finlay Donovan series, and Sarah Fox’s Definitely Maybe Not a Detective definitely scratches that itch. It’s a fun, breezy read with a lot of potential, especially if it continues into a series.
What I especially appreciate is that this story centers on a flawed woman who doesn’t have everything together and somehow finds herself in the middle of the detective agency world. I wish more writers explored this angle—it’s relatable, messy, and oddly empowering. The whole “ordinary woman stumbling into a PI-style life” is a trope I’ll never get tired of.
That said, there were a few moments that leaned a little too corny for my taste. I found myself wishing some of those scenes had been fleshed out with more wit or depth. Still, even with the lighter, fluffier feel, it was an enjoyable escape, and sometimes that’s exactly what a book should be: an easy, good time.
All in all, Definitely Maybe Not a Detective is a promising start: cozy, funny, and perfect for when you just need to unwind with a quirky, low-stakes mystery.
Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Fox, and Ballantine for the ARC of this novel!
I’ve been on the hunt for books that give me the same cozy-yet-chaotic vibes as the Riley Thorn and Finlay Donovan series, and Sarah Fox’s Definitely Maybe Not a Detective definitely scratches that itch. It’s a fun, breezy read with a lot of potential, especially if it continues into a series.
What I especially appreciate is that this story centers on a flawed woman who doesn’t have everything together and somehow finds herself in the middle of the detective agency world. I wish more writers explored this angle—it’s relatable, messy, and oddly empowering. The whole “ordinary woman stumbling into a PI-style life” is a trope I’ll never get tired of.
That said, there were a few moments that leaned a little too corny for my taste. I found myself wishing some of those scenes had been fleshed out with more wit or depth. Still, even with the lighter, fluffier feel, it was an enjoyable escape, and sometimes that’s exactly what a book should be: an easy, good time.
All in all, Definitely Maybe Not a Detective is a promising start: cozy, funny, and perfect for when you just need to unwind with a quirky, low-stakes mystery.
July 2, 2025
Fun, lighthearted read. Basically a cozy mystery crossed with a romcom. It’s intentionally over the top and full of shenanigans as the main character pretended to be a private detective to solve the murder of her neighbor.
My biggest issues with the book is that there is too much going on (e.g., the issue with her ex, investigating the murder, two pseudo love interests, drama with her parents and Livy, etc) and it feels like it’s at the expense of the overall plot and Emersyn’s action being thought through and well explained.
I would have preferred more time spent building out important parts of the plot. For example, more of a focus on Emersyn and Wyatt so it wouldn’t have come across as only physical attraction, especially since the book is saying it’s part romcom. Another example: more background on why Emersyn was so adamant about keeping Livy while not getting help from her parents. This would have added some depth and clarity.
Thank you to Sarah Fox, Bantam, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
My biggest issues with the book is that there is too much going on (e.g., the issue with her ex, investigating the murder, two pseudo love interests, drama with her parents and Livy, etc) and it feels like it’s at the expense of the overall plot and Emersyn’s action being thought through and well explained.
I would have preferred more time spent building out important parts of the plot. For example, more of a focus on Emersyn and Wyatt so it wouldn’t have come across as only physical attraction, especially since the book is saying it’s part romcom. Another example: more background on why Emersyn was so adamant about keeping Livy while not getting help from her parents. This would have added some depth and clarity.
Thank you to Sarah Fox, Bantam, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2025
This was my first read from this author, and I really enjoyed it.
Things aren't going well for Emersyn when we meet her, and it was really easy to connect with her. Having the weight of caring for your deceased brother's child isn't easy, she is doing the very best she can, but admittedly - she's a hot mess. And, of course, while she is attempting to "break into" a country club where her thief of an ex is currently playing tennis with his new girlfriend, she just happens to wind up in rhododendrons, (don't ask), and that's when Wyatt finds her - scuffed knees and all. His presence and skillset certainly came in handy, even if why he was available to help her was a mystery in and of itself.
I know, right?! Really interesting. I had to know more.
How the gorgeous and mysterious Wyatt begins working with her, in a made up investigative agency, to solve the mystery of why the super of her building is deceased, and who did it was both addictive and entertaining. The list of people who are suspects is long, and I happily flipped the pages, getting more wrapped up into the dynamics between the building's tenants.
The secondary characters were fun, and while there is a "romantic" vibe between Emersyn and 2 of the guys, it isn't really a love triangle, and this isn't primarily a romance. For me, it's an interesting murder mystery with some good friendships, a bit of a sweet romance, some deeper emotions, and a "happy/satisfied for now" ending. The way this ended felt like there might be more to the Wyatt investigations storyline, and I would absolutely like to read it!!
I recommend this book, as I enjoyed my read, and thank the author and Netgalley for my ARC.
My thoughts are my own and happily left.
Things aren't going well for Emersyn when we meet her, and it was really easy to connect with her. Having the weight of caring for your deceased brother's child isn't easy, she is doing the very best she can, but admittedly - she's a hot mess. And, of course, while she is attempting to "break into" a country club where her thief of an ex is currently playing tennis with his new girlfriend, she just happens to wind up in rhododendrons, (don't ask), and that's when Wyatt finds her - scuffed knees and all. His presence and skillset certainly came in handy, even if why he was available to help her was a mystery in and of itself.
I know, right?! Really interesting. I had to know more.
How the gorgeous and mysterious Wyatt begins working with her, in a made up investigative agency, to solve the mystery of why the super of her building is deceased, and who did it was both addictive and entertaining. The list of people who are suspects is long, and I happily flipped the pages, getting more wrapped up into the dynamics between the building's tenants.
The secondary characters were fun, and while there is a "romantic" vibe between Emersyn and 2 of the guys, it isn't really a love triangle, and this isn't primarily a romance. For me, it's an interesting murder mystery with some good friendships, a bit of a sweet romance, some deeper emotions, and a "happy/satisfied for now" ending. The way this ended felt like there might be more to the Wyatt investigations storyline, and I would absolutely like to read it!!
I recommend this book, as I enjoyed my read, and thank the author and Netgalley for my ARC.
My thoughts are my own and happily left.
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